SPANISH STARS

FROM THE SUN HOUSE

From Castilla, Wine Alliance have raided the Casa Solar and once again the boys have come up with the goods. Talking here about a pair of worthy Tempranillos that were tasted recently.

Castilla Casa Solar Tempranillo 2008 VDT, 13.5%, €8.99, 

stockists

Colour is ruby with a black cherry and plum nose plus hints of vanilla. On the palate, it is fresh and fruity, smooth and round. It is well balanced with a good finish. An easy drinking wine, but one with backbone. It has spent 6 months in American oak, is well structured and comes at a terrific price.

VDT denotes table win in Spain but it is not as simple as that. As in other countries, many producers use the less restrictive rules of VDT to produce excellent top of the range wines. Some details here. 

Castilla Casa Solar Tempranillo 2010 VDT, 13%, €7.99, 

 stockists

Had started with the 2008 and had expected the 2010 to be somewhat less of a mouthful. Must admit I was wrong and indeed ended up with a slight preference for the newer unoaked wine.

Colour is once again a dark red but here the nose is more of red berries. On the palate, it is young, juicy and smooth. And a strong hint of sweets as the tannins are low. It is really easy drinking but don't forget it packs a 13 per cent punch.

They recommend it for white meats as well as red and I reckon it would be fabulous, slightly chilled in summer with a bowl of ripe strawberries on the outside table.